Interfaith Community Event To Address Homelessness

A homeless woman panhandles on the street on June 20, 2011 in New York City. According to an annual report on the city's homeless population conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless, a record 113,553 people turned to shelters last year. This was an eight percent increase over the previous year and is a 37 percent increase since 2002. While the reasons for the increase are numerous, the economy and the unemployment rate played a significant part in the numbers.

(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis churches, mosques and synagogues are joining forces in an effort to end homelessness.

The downtown congregations are holding a joint event Sunday to talk about issues surrounding homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County.

Organizers say the event will help educate the broader community and show people how they can take action to be advocates for the homeless, and help ensure that all people have access to safe, affordable housing.

The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Temple Israel. It will feature an interfaith service and a panel discussion. Panelists will include a youth and parent who have been homeless.